Click image for a huge Greenwich Concours Day 2 gallery
Day two of the 2007 Greenwich Concours d’Elegance was dedicated to cars built in Europe, and after a terrific Day 1, my expectations were sky high. I wasn’t disappointed. The mix of cars was equally varied, including a wonderful white-tired 1905 Renault, a ’48 Tatra T-87 sporting a huge fin on its sloping rear, a passel of Jaguars that included a Ghia-bodied XK140, and jaw-dropping stunners like a ’37 Bugatti Type 57C Roadster and down by the harbor, a spectacular one-off 1950 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Roadster.
More after the jump.
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There’s some big powertrain changes for two upscale models of crossover vehicles. The BMW X3 is switching from a V6 to a four-cylinder engine. The Acura RDX is going in the opposite direction, from a four to a six-cylinder engine.
Both changes have resulted in big improvements, according to the latest ratings fromConsumer Reports for compact SUVs. In its latest findings, the magazine had glowing things to say about both overhauls.
“The RDX had been a weak spot in the otherwise competent Acura lineup,” said David Champion, senior director of the consumer organization’s consumer test center. “The engine upgrade, along with a roomier, user-friendly cabin and an improved ride, helps it score near the top of its category.”
Here’s a look at the sporty CUVs that Consumer Reports endorsed, the ones that got a thumbs-down and others that got more middling reviews:
MSRP: $38,500 – $43,600
Invoice: $35,600 – $40,290
Fuel economy: 21 city/28 highway
Powered by a six-cylinder engine since its inception eight years ago, the inline six is replaced with a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that should get 23 miles per gallon combined, one mile better than the original.
According toConsumer Reports, which ranks the X3 at the top of its category, “precision handling and a taut ride make the X3 drive like the best sporty sedans.” Although it grades out as the highest of the ratings, it is too new for the consumer organization to assess its reliability.
Research the BMW X3
BMW X3 Photos & Information
BMW X3 Specs
BMW X3 Local Dealer Price Quote
MSRP: $34,320 – $35,720
Invoice: $32,245 – $33,541
Fuel economy: 19 city/27 highway
“A weak spot in an otherwise competent Acura lineup.” Ouch. Good thing for Acura that’s a description that’s now passed. The change in powertrain from a turbo four to a 273-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 has paid dividends.
The RDX now grabs a“recommended” status from the magazine. The V6 uses Acura’s Variable Cylinder Management fuel-saving technology. That contributes to its “respectable” combined 22 mpg figure, and CR calls it “smooth” and “responsive.”
The all-new RDX is larger and more functional that its previous iteration, and includes more room for both passengers and cargo.
Research the Acura RDX
Acura RDX Photos & Information
Acura RDX Specs
Acura RDX Local Dealer Price Quote
MSRP: $35,600 – $43,000
Invoice: $33,108 – $39,990
Fuel economy: 20 city/27 highway
The Q5 is powered by either a 211-hp 2.0T four-cylinder or a 3.2-liter FSI V6 engine, the 2.0T gets an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic, while the 3.2 is bolted to a six-speed Tiptronic automatic. Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system provides sure-footedness in all conditions
Consumer Reports calls the Q5 “another good choice,” and lauds it for its “enjoyable handling and well-trimmed interior.” It also earns recommended status.
Research the Audi Q5
Audi Q5 Photos & Information
Audi Q5 Specs
Audi Q5 Local Dealer Price Quote
MSRP: $35,985 – $49,585
Invoice: $34,006 – $46,858
Fuel economy: 17 city/24 highway
On the other end of the spectrum, there’s the Cadillac SRX, which draws less-favorable reviews from Consumer Reports, which notes that its score has dropped because revised suspension tuning hurt its emergency handling performance. It also noted the SRX had demonstrated “below-average reliability.”
For 2012, the Cadillac SRX replaces both 2.8-liter and 3.0-liter V6 engines with one new 3.6-liter V6 engine. Despite the power increase, CR reports that“the heavy SRX still feels sluggish in every day driving,” and also that driver visibility is “problematic.”
Research the Cadillac SRX
Cadillac SRX Photos & Information
Cadillac SRX Specs
Cadillac SRX Local Dealer Price Quote
MSRP: $27,525 – $39,060
Invoice: $25,942 – $36,424
Fuel economy: 19 city/27 highway
Consumer Reports examined the SEL trims of the Ford Edge and really likes the optional EcoBoost 2.0-liter turbocharged V6, lauding it for is power and lower engine noise. “The four-cylinder turbo actually sounds more than the V6,” the report notes.
You can’t get all-wheel drive with the EcoBoost engine, but fuel economy is improved. On the downside, CR notes “the six-speed transmission lacks refinement and handling comes up short on agility.”
Research the Ford Edge
Ford Edge Photos & Information
Ford Edge Specs
Ford Edge Local Dealer Price Quote
MSRP: $26,900
Invoice: $25,095
Fuel economy: 22 city/29 highway
The Kia Sportage is gaining renown for being an affordable compact SUV, and its improving standing inConsumer Reports ratings is starting to reflect that. CR notes that the design is stylish and stands apart from the crowd, and that its top-level SX with the 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine is “even more fun.” Its handling is noted as “agile and responsive.”
On the downside, CR says the ride, already stiff in the base Sportage, is even worse in the SX model.“There is also quite a bit of wind noise and pronounced road noise,” the report says.
Research the Kia Sportage SX
Kia Sportage Photos & Information
Kia Sportage Specs
Kia Sportage Local Dealer Price Quote
It didn’t end there, either. Outside the Mercedes tent sat John Fitch (right), greeting well-wishers and signing copies of his book, Racing With Mercedes-Benz (I bought a copy, and I’ll review it here once I’m through reading it.) Not thirty feet away from Mr. Fitch sat the 300SL Gullwing he drove to the GT class victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia. It was on loan from the Mercedes-Benz Museum, gleaming in its black paint with “417” in white on the bodywork.
Where the musclecars sat a day earlier, a circle of Ferraris had taken up residence. Many eras were represented, with everything from a 250 California Spyder, to a killer yellow ’74 Boxer, to the prettiest 308 I’d ever seen — completely original in a medium green finish. A row of Bimmers ranged from the Isetta to an ’88 M6 Coupe, and a group of competition cars included a rally-prepped Saab 96, an ’87 Porsche 944 Turbo Cup car in Rothman’s livery, and a 1963 Alfa Romeo TZ1 coupe. As was the case with Day 1, I’ll stop jabbering now and let the photos do the rest of the talking.
The two-day carnival of cars was enormous fun, as Bruce and Genia Wennerstrom put on one hell of a show. The fans were knowledgeable and down-to-earth, and the same could be said of the owners I chatted with. It was easy to get along, you see. There wasn’t a person in the place who didn’t love cars. I can’t wait ’till next year’s edition.
All photos Copyright ©2007 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc.